Trial of Former FirstEnergy Executives Accused in $60 Million Ohio Bribery Case Commences
The $4.3 million payment made by Ohio-based FirstEnergy to veteran lawyer and lobbyist Sam Randazzo in 2019 is now a focal point in a significant criminal trial linked to a $60 million bribery scandal. This payment occurred shortly before Randazzo was appointed as the state’s top utility regulator.
Prosecutors allege that Chuck Jones, then-CEO of FirstEnergy Corp., and Michael Dowling, then-Senior Vice President of FirstEnergy Services Corp., played crucial roles in orchestrating this substantial payout to Randazzo. In return, he was expected to provide regulatory and legislative favors to the company. Both Jones and Dowling have pleaded not guilty to felony corruption charges, asserting that the payment was merely a lump sum to settle Randazzo’s long-standing consulting agreement with FirstEnergy.
Opening statements commenced on Tuesday in Akron, where Special Assistant Attorney General Matthew Meyer urged jurors not to be overwhelmed by the complexities of utility regulation that will unfold over the anticipated eight-week trial. He emphasized that both executives were intelligent individuals who were fully aware of their actions.
“Chuck Jones and Mike Dowling went to Mr. Randazzo repeatedly, secretly, and they rigged the game,” Meyer stated. “That’s what this is about, and that’s why it’s simple. This game got rigged, and the game is not boring.”
In contrast, defense attorney Steve Grimes stressed the importance of details, cautioning jurors that prosecutors might overlook or simplify the complexities surrounding Jones’ and Dowling’s actions to create a compelling narrative.
“In our daily lives, we might be able to get away with that sort of shortcut from time to time,” Grimes remarked. “But that’s not how it works in a court of law. You can’t skip the details. You can’t miss critical facts when somebody’s liberty is at stake. Not in here.”
Prosecutors allege an elaborate plot
The two defendants were among several executives dismissed by FirstEnergy following the 2020 arrests of then-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and four associates. Federal prosecutors allege that Householder and his associates executed an elaborate bribery scheme funded by FirstEnergy, enabling Householder to secure the speakership, elect allies, pass a $1 billion nuclear plant bailout, and thwart efforts to repeal the legislation known as House Bill.
In 2021, FirstEnergy admitted to utilizing dark money groups to finance the scheme, and in 2023, a jury convicted Householder of racketeering. He is currently serving a 20-year sentence in federal prison, a conviction he continues to contest in the U.S. Supreme Court.
Randazzo, who could have provided his perspective during this highly anticipated trial, is no longer available. The defense has characterized him as “a thief” and “a con man,” claiming he alone is responsible for the misuse of FirstEnergy funds. Randazzo tragically died by suicide in 2024 after pleading not guilty to numerous state and federal charges.
Defense has a lengthy list of potential witnesses
Jones and Dowling have informed Summit County Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross of a list of 58 potential witnesses they may call in their defense. Among the most notable are Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who appointed Randazzo to the influential Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, and former Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, who was appointed a U.S. senator last year. Neither DeWine nor Husted has been implicated in the case.
Grimes noted that Jones had direct access to Husted, who could testify about FirstEnergy’s interest in appointing someone other than Randazzo as PUCO chair. Various court filings reveal that the two Republicans dined with Jones, Dowling, and lobbyist Josh Rubin on December 18, 2018. Earlier that day, Rubin had advised the executives on how to lobby DeWine, then the governor-elect, regarding their preferences for the PUCO chair position.
Rubin cautioned the executives not to mention their meeting with Randazzo later that evening. Following the dinner, Randazzo texted Dowling a financial figure for the years 2019 through 2024: “Total 4,333,333.” Dowling responded, “Got it, Sam. Good seeing you as well. Thanks for the hospitality. Cool condo.”
The next day, Jones also reached out to Randazzo, stating, “We’re going to get this handled this year, paid in full, no discount. Don’t forget about us or Hurricane Chuck may show up on your doorstep! Of course, no guarantee he won’t show up sometime anyway.” Randazzo replied, “Made me laugh — you guys are welcome anytime and anywhere I can open the door. Let me know how you want me to structure the invoices. Thanks.”
Jones’ attorney says payout was aboveboard
Jones’ defense attorney, Carole Rendon, presented jurors with a series of communications from this critical 17-hour period, asserting that the $4.3 million was a settlement agreement intended for Randazzo’s clients. She maintained that the payment was transparent and conducted through standard corporate channels.
“There was nothing secret or hidden about this payment,” she stated.
Governor DeWine has indicated that Randazzo did not disclose his consulting arrangement with FirstEnergy, and that the governor was unaware of it until it was revealed in a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing.
Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Topics
Ohio
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The $4.3 million payment made by Ohio-based FirstEnergy to veteran lawyer and lobbyist Sam Randazzo in 2019 is now a focal point in a significant criminal trial linked to a $60 million bribery scandal. This payment occurred shortly before Randazzo was appointed as the state’s top utility regulator.
Prosecutors allege that Chuck Jones, then-CEO of FirstEnergy Corp., and Michael Dowling, then-Senior Vice President of FirstEnergy Services Corp., played crucial roles in orchestrating this substantial payout to Randazzo. In return, he was expected to provide regulatory and legislative favors to the company. Both Jones and Dowling have pleaded not guilty to felony corruption charges, asserting that the payment was merely a lump sum to settle Randazzo’s long-standing consulting agreement with FirstEnergy.
Opening statements commenced on Tuesday in Akron, where Special Assistant Attorney General Matthew Meyer urged jurors not to be overwhelmed by the complexities of utility regulation that will unfold over the anticipated eight-week trial. He emphasized that both executives were intelligent individuals who were fully aware of their actions.
“Chuck Jones and Mike Dowling went to Mr. Randazzo repeatedly, secretly, and they rigged the game,” Meyer stated. “That’s what this is about, and that’s why it’s simple. This game got rigged, and the game is not boring.”
In contrast, defense attorney Steve Grimes stressed the importance of details, cautioning jurors that prosecutors might overlook or simplify the complexities surrounding Jones’ and Dowling’s actions to create a compelling narrative.
“In our daily lives, we might be able to get away with that sort of shortcut from time to time,” Grimes remarked. “But that’s not how it works in a court of law. You can’t skip the details. You can’t miss critical facts when somebody’s liberty is at stake. Not in here.”
Prosecutors allege an elaborate plot
The two defendants were among several executives dismissed by FirstEnergy following the 2020 arrests of then-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and four associates. Federal prosecutors allege that Householder and his associates executed an elaborate bribery scheme funded by FirstEnergy, enabling Householder to secure the speakership, elect allies, pass a $1 billion nuclear plant bailout, and thwart efforts to repeal the legislation known as House Bill.
In 2021, FirstEnergy admitted to utilizing dark money groups to finance the scheme, and in 2023, a jury convicted Householder of racketeering. He is currently serving a 20-year sentence in federal prison, a conviction he continues to contest in the U.S. Supreme Court.
Randazzo, who could have provided his perspective during this highly anticipated trial, is no longer available. The defense has characterized him as “a thief” and “a con man,” claiming he alone is responsible for the misuse of FirstEnergy funds. Randazzo tragically died by suicide in 2024 after pleading not guilty to numerous state and federal charges.
Defense has a lengthy list of potential witnesses
Jones and Dowling have informed Summit County Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross of a list of 58 potential witnesses they may call in their defense. Among the most notable are Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who appointed Randazzo to the influential Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, and former Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, who was appointed a U.S. senator last year. Neither DeWine nor Husted has been implicated in the case.
Grimes noted that Jones had direct access to Husted, who could testify about FirstEnergy’s interest in appointing someone other than Randazzo as PUCO chair. Various court filings reveal that the two Republicans dined with Jones, Dowling, and lobbyist Josh Rubin on December 18, 2018. Earlier that day, Rubin had advised the executives on how to lobby DeWine, then the governor-elect, regarding their preferences for the PUCO chair position.
Rubin cautioned the executives not to mention their meeting with Randazzo later that evening. Following the dinner, Randazzo texted Dowling a financial figure for the years 2019 through 2024: “Total 4,333,333.” Dowling responded, “Got it, Sam. Good seeing you as well. Thanks for the hospitality. Cool condo.”
The next day, Jones also reached out to Randazzo, stating, “We’re going to get this handled this year, paid in full, no discount. Don’t forget about us or Hurricane Chuck may show up on your doorstep! Of course, no guarantee he won’t show up sometime anyway.” Randazzo replied, “Made me laugh — you guys are welcome anytime and anywhere I can open the door. Let me know how you want me to structure the invoices. Thanks.”
Jones’ attorney says payout was aboveboard
Jones’ defense attorney, Carole Rendon, presented jurors with a series of communications from this critical 17-hour period, asserting that the $4.3 million was a settlement agreement intended for Randazzo’s clients. She maintained that the payment was transparent and conducted through standard corporate channels.
“There was nothing secret or hidden about this payment,” she stated.
Governor DeWine has indicated that Randazzo did not disclose his consulting arrangement with FirstEnergy, and that the governor was unaware of it until it was revealed in a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing.
Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Topics
Ohio
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